Cannot Smile After Botox Injected into Cheeks

asked 3 years ago by Sherry Reece
Latest answer by Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS
Question viewed 2,460 times
Tags: cheeks, smile, female, complication, side effects, smile lines

I have had Botox many times around the eyes, but he has always put Restylane in my cheeks. I am not sure why he decided to us Botox in my cheeks. He said it would relax the lines, but it also made it where I cannot smile and my facial expressions are off. I am very concerned and self-consious. I even have a problem eating. I am wanting to know how long this will last. I WILL NEVER DO THIS AGAIN.

5 answers to Cannot Smile After Botox Injected into Cheeks

Why injecting Botox into the cheeks is a no-no.

There are definitely areas where Botox is appropriate and effective and the cheek is not one of them. While Botox is FDA approved only for the area between the eyes, it is very commonly used in the forehead, crow's feet (sides of eyes) and upper lip. The difference between these areas and the cheeks is that it is NOT common to inject Botox in the cheeks. When used in the cheek muscles, Botox can affect eating and lower facial expression. This area should be avoided. The good news is that... more

Harold J. Kaplan, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.celibre.com

Botox injected into cheeks

Botox should not be injected into your cheeks as it can cause temporary paralysis of the facial muscle of expression. Although this will wear off in about 3-4 months, it can be quite noticeable and emotional distressing. Revisit the person who injected you and make them aware of your situation. There is no long term health risks of this, it's primarily a cosmetic issue. Botox is only effective for lines causes by overactivity of facial muscles, not deep lines caused by aging. Please be... more

William Bruno, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Botox Injected into Cheeks

I am sorry to hear about your negative experience. The effects will diminish over time and you will notice improvement in 3 - 4 months. The question is why the injector decided to inject in the cheeks. It is uncommon and as you found out risky area for botox.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS
West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon

www.drkrisreddy.com

Weakened smile after Botox

I am sorry to hear about your unfavorable experience. Botox may spread nearly an inch from the site it is injected. This explains why it is impossible to exactly predict the effect each and every time. It would be similar to predicting the appearance of an ink blot. Having said that, there are techniques to provide enhanced control. These include small and multiple injections of highly concentrated Botox. Consider injections by an experience provider. Botox can last anywhere from 3-5... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

BOTOX in the cheeks

BOTOX is not commonly used in the cheeks because of the muscles of facial expression that can be affected. It is best limited to the forehead and around the eyes; use on the chin, neck, and to lift the corners of the mouth is fine too.

Benjamin Barankin, MD
Toronto Dermatologic Surgeon

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